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Who’s hot…and who’s not!

It’s time for our weekly wrap up of who has their name in lights at the moment…and who is making the headlines for the wrong reasons.

It’s time for our weekly wrap up of who has their name in lights at the moment…and who is making the headlines for the wrong reasons.

They’re on fire!

Taranaki and Tasman: After six years of Canterbury dominance, there will be a new team lifting the ITM Cup this weekend as Taranaki and Tasman beat Auckland and Canterbury respectively in the semis. Seta Tamanivula impressed for the ‘Naki while James Lowe and Robbie Malneek were superb for the Makos in the wins that set up a Grand Final in New Plymouth. Tasman are slight favourites to win though and we’d agree with that.

Glasgow: As good as they have been in the Pro12, Glasgow really needed to prove that they could compete at the highest level after disappointing in Europe in recent seasons. Well a 37-10 win over highly-fancied Bath is a great way to start. A devastating backline tore the English side to shreds and even without the influential Josh Strauss, the Warriors looked a formidable prospect. Next week’s trip to Montpellier will be one of the games of the weekend.

Alexandre Dumoulin and Yacouba Camara: What a weekend for Dumoulin, who scored the first try in Racing’s win over Northampton and then got called up to the French squad for the November Tests. His recent form has been outstanding, let’s hope he can take his chance. Camara has also been brilliant since an early injury, and it’s no coincidence Toulouse have won four out of four when he’s started this year. Expect him to earn the first of many caps in November.

Lions: Don’t let anyone ever tell you that knock-out rugby is always about tight games and teams using conservative tactics. The Lions were incredible in crushing the Sharks in the final four. It will be tough to go and win away at Western Province, but on this form the Lions have every chance.